As I was flying out of Abilene this past summer, I looked out the airplane window and admired how green Texas was. From several thousand feet up, the ground looked almost lush. Eight days later I flew back into Abilene. I again looked out the window and my immediate thought was how brown and dried up the ground looked. I had just spent time in Tennessee where the grass was dark green and dense, the flowers were blossoming and the tall trees were abundant. After Tennessee, Texas looked arid and the trees had shrunk to minuscule size. Nothing had really changed except my perception.

My perspective is based on my emotions or personal opinions. I look back over my life and I remember my terrible "F's." I think about my personal failures, family problems, financial concerns, fear for the future and my futility in maintaining a relationship with God.

How does God see us?

How does God see us? God looks at His children with pure love. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and His love is not emotionally based depending upon his mood for the day. I don't really understand this but I do know that my name has been engraved on the palm of God's hand (Isaiah 49:16) and that I am the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8). He loved me enough that He sent His only Son to die for my sins so that I can have an eternal relationship with Him.

I can learn from my failures and perhaps even help others facing similar trials. Since my children are adults, I can't make decisions for them but I can take their names before God in prayer, remembering that God loves them even more than I do. I can plan for my future but, since I cannot control it, I can trust God to take care of things. As difficult as it is for me to admit, He doesn't need my help. I can choose to remain faithful and ask for strength and courage from my Father in heaven.

Maybe, just maybe, God looks at my fears and failures as opportunities for me to grow in Him and then He shouts for joy when I fall to my knees in prayer. Do you have similar thoughts and concerns? Do you wonder if God really loves you? Do you perceive that God cannot possibly care for you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, let's discuss it. Write me at kpresley@heraldoftruth.org or join our blog community at hopeforlife.org.





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© 2008 Herald of Truth

Title: "It's a Matter of Perspective"
Author: Karen Presley
Publication Date: October 15, 2008

Look Great, Feel Great: 12 Keys to Enjoying a Healthy Life Now by Joyce Meyer Joyce guides us to a healthier way of living, reminding us that turning every issue over to God gives us the strength to make lasting changes.

Karen is the Director of Development at Herald of Truth Ministries and helps lead the women's ministry at her local church. You can reach her by writing to kpresley@heraldoftruth.org.

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